JP2008118707A - Ccd imaging device and drive system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a CCD image pickup device for simplifying the preparation of an index image, and for attaining high-speed operation of imaging processing and its driving method, and to provide a film scanner to which such a technology is applied. <P>SOLUTION: Transfer gate electrodes V1(TG1A) and V3(TG3A) of a photoelectric conversion element line for one line portion, which is the closest to a horizontal transfer CCD 36 or for adjacent two lines among a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed photoelectric conversion elements 32, are configured so as to be discriminated from the other photoelectric conversion elements, and are controlled independently. This CCD image sensor 30 is loaded to a film scanner; and at image reading processing (index scanning) for acquiring an index image, the CCD image sensor 30 is made to function as a linear image sensor; and at imaging processing for acquiring an image whose image quality is high by each frame, the CCD image sensor 30 is made to function as an area image sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a CCD image pickup device and a driving method thereof, and particularly suitable for a film scanner that reads image information recorded on a developed photographic film with an image pickup device, converts this into electronic image data, and records / reproduces the image information. The present invention relates to a CCD imaging device and a driving method thereof.

Conventionally, an image recorded on a developed photographic film is read by a CCD line sensor (linear image sensor), and the image is converted into electronic image data and output to an image display device such as a television receiver, or a recording medium. For example, a film scanner that can be recorded as an image data file has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-147326). For example, in the case of a film compatible with the 24 mm new photographic system (APS), the photographic film is stored in a film cartridge having a light-shielding structure, and the film can be checked in order to check the image recorded on the developed photographic film. It is necessary to pull out from. Such an APS-compatible film scanner includes a mechanism (film loading mechanism) for pulling out a film from a film cartridge, and adopts a method of reading an image with a CCD line sensor while transporting the film.
JP-A-8-147326

  Normally, in this type of film scanner, all frame images are scanned at high speed during film loading to detect the reading conditions of each frame image, and then the imaging system is corrected again based on the reading conditions. A frame is scanned, a small-size image (thumbnail image) obtained by thinning out the number of pixels for each frame is acquired, and an index image formed by arranging these in a matrix is created.

  In the case of a conventional film scanner using a line sensor as described above, there is an advantage that an index image can be created at a high speed, but the reading of a single image for each frame (main imaging processing) does not scan the film. There is a drawback that the image cannot be confirmed. In addition, it is necessary to obtain image information in advance in order to determine the reading conditions, and it takes time to display a single frame image.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a CCD imaging device and a driving method thereof capable of achieving high-speed imaging processing and easy creation of an index image, and applied such technology. An object is to provide a film scanner.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vertical transfer path in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged and signal charges accumulated in the respective photoelectric conversion elements are transferred in a vertical direction along the column direction of the arrangement. And a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge sent out from the vertical transfer path in a horizontal direction along the row direction of the array, wherein each photoelectric conversion element is one for one photoelectric conversion element. Only one vertical transfer path is provided, and only one transfer gate for reading out signal charges accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path is provided for one photoelectric conversion element. Among the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in the horizontal direction, the photoelectric conversion elements for one row along the horizontal direction or for two adjacent rows, the one row closest to the horizontal transfer path 2 The transfer gate electrode for transferring the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements for the corresponding one row to the vertical transfer path transfers the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or the adjacent two rows to the vertical transfer path. Provided separately from the transfer gate electrode to be transferred to the device, and has a structure capable of independently controlling the application of the read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows. Features.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements are aligned along the column direction of the arrangement. A vertical transfer path for transferring in the vertical direction, a transfer gate electrode for controlling a transfer gate for transferring the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path, and a signal charge sent from the vertical transfer path In the method of driving a CCD image pickup device comprising a horizontal transfer path for transferring in the horizontal direction along the row direction of the array, each photoelectric conversion element is provided with only one vertical transfer path for one photoelectric conversion element. In addition, only one transfer gate for reading out the signal charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path is provided for one photoelectric conversion element, and the two-dimensional Among the plurality of arranged photoelectric conversion elements, photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows along the horizontal direction, and one or two rows of photoelectric conversion elements closest to the horizontal transfer path A signal pulse is read by applying a read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the first and second transfer gate electrodes, and the read pulse voltage is not applied to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements other than one row or two adjacent rows. Only a signal of photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows is read, and a first drive control method for causing the CCD imaging device to function as a linear image sensor, and one row or two adjacent rows By reading out signal charges from all the photoelectric conversion elements including the photoelectric conversion elements and switching to the second drive control method for causing the CCD imaging device to function as an area image sensor. Using one of the CCD image pickup device as a linear image sensor, or characterized by the use as an area image sensor.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present specification discloses the following invention.

  Invention (1): A vertical transfer path in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged and signal charges accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element are transferred in a vertical direction along the column direction of the array, and the vertical transfer path And a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charges sent out from the array in a horizontal direction along the row direction of the array. Among the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, one row along the horizontal direction or adjacent thereto The transfer gate electrode for transferring the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements for two rows to the vertical transfer path transfers the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or adjacent two rows to the vertical transfer path. Provided separately from the transfer gate electrode to be transferred to the transfer path, and has a structure capable of independently controlling the application of the read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows CCD imaging device, characterized in that there.

  According to the present invention, the read pulse voltage is applied to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion element lines for one row or two adjacent rows of the photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a plane, and the other photoelectric conversion elements By not applying the read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrode, it is possible to read only the signal charges of the photoelectric conversion elements for one or two rows. On the other hand, without distinguishing the photoelectric conversion element lines for one row or two adjacent rows from other photoelectric conversion elements, the transfer gate electrodes of all the photoelectric conversion elements can be applied to all the photoelectric conversion elements as in the conventional area image sensor. By applying a read pulse voltage, signal charges can be read from all the photoelectric conversion elements. As described above, since the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion element lines for one row or two adjacent rows can be controlled independently of the other transfer gate electrodes, one CCD imaging device can be controlled by a linear image sensor. It can be used as an area image sensor.

  Invention (2): The photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows are one row or two rows of photoelectric conversion elements closest to the horizontal transfer path in the two-dimensional array. A CCD imaging device according to the invention (1), characterized in that

  Invention (3): In the row | line | column of the photoelectric conversion element which the arrangement | sequence of these several photoelectric conversion elements adjoins mutually, the arrangement | sequence of the said photoelectric conversion element of one line is with respect to the arrangement | sequence of the said photoelectric conversion element of the other line. The CCD image pickup device according to the invention (1) or (2), wherein the CCD image pickup device is structured so as to be relatively shifted by about ½ of the arrangement interval in the row direction.

  Invention (4): A vertical transfer path in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged and signal charges accumulated in the respective photoelectric conversion elements are transferred in a vertical direction along the column direction of the arrangement, and the photoelectric conversion elements A transfer gate electrode for controlling a transfer gate for transferring the signal charge accumulated in the vertical transfer path, and a horizontal transfer for transferring the signal charge sent from the vertical transfer path in a horizontal direction along the row direction of the array. And a readout pulse voltage with respect to transfer gate electrodes of photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows in the horizontal direction among the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. Is applied to the CCD imaging device without applying a readout pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or two adjacent rows. Read the signal charge from all the photoelectric conversion elements including the first drive control system that functions as a near image sensor and the photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows, and the CCD imaging device is A method for driving a CCD image pickup device, wherein one CCD image pickup device is used as a linear image sensor or an area image sensor by switching between a second drive control system that functions as an image sensor.

  Moreover, the film scanner which concerns on invention (5) is provided as one utilization aspect of the CCD imaging device of this invention.

  Invention (5): Film transport means for transporting a developed photographic film, a light source for illuminating the photographic film, and an image recorded on the photographic film illuminated by the light source, and converting it to an electronic image signal A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and a vertical transfer path that transfers signal charges accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element in a vertical direction along the column direction of the array; and A horizontal transfer path for transferring signal charges sent out from the vertical transfer path in a horizontal direction along the row direction of the array, and two adjacent ones along the horizontal direction among the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements or adjacent 2 The transfer gate electrode that transfers the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements for the rows to the vertical transfer path has the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or adjacent two rows. Provided separately from the transfer gate electrode to be transferred to the vertical transfer path, and has a structure capable of independently controlling the application of the read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows A CCD imaging device, and at the time of creating an index image, a read pulse voltage is applied to transfer gate electrodes of one or two adjacent photoelectric conversion elements in the row direction of the array among the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. The signal charge is read out by applying, and the CCD imaging device is made to function as a linear image sensor without applying a read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or two adjacent rows. During single frame image reproduction, signal charges are read from all photoelectric conversion elements, and the CCD imaging device functions as an area image sensor. Film scanner, characterized in that it includes a CCD drive control means.

  According to the film scanner according to the invention (5), an index image can be acquired at a high speed, and an image can be acquired without performing a scan like a line sensor at the time of main imaging for single-frame image reproduction. It is possible to speed up the acquisition of a normal single frame image.

  As described above, according to the CCD imaging device of the present invention, transfer gate electrodes of photoelectric conversion element lines for one row or two adjacent rows among a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged two-dimensionally are provided. Since it has a structure that can be controlled independently from other photoelectric conversion elements, one CCD imaging device can be used as a linear image sensor or an area image sensor.

  In addition, when such a CCD imaging device is applied to a film scanner and an index image is acquired (at the time of index scanning), the CCD imaging device is used as a linear image sensor to acquire a high-quality image for each frame. In this case, since the CCD imaging device is used as an area image sensor, an index image can be acquired at high speed, and an image of the actual imaging can be acquired easily and quickly.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a CCD imaging device, a driving method thereof, and a film scanner according to the present invention will be described in detail according to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the general structure of a CCD image sensor will be outlined. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a conventional interline transfer CCD. In the figure, for convenience, the number of pixels is reduced and only one column is shown. However, an actual device has many similar configurations arranged vertically and horizontally.

  This CCD image sensor 10 includes an array of photosensitive pixels 12 composed of photodiodes, a vertical transfer CCD (vertical transfer path) 14 of four-phase drive (V1, V2, V3, V4), and a horizontal transfer CCD (horizontal transfer CCD) (horizontal). Transfer path) 16. A photosensitive pixel 12 is provided corresponding to the transfer electrodes of the first phase V1 and the third phase V3 of the vertical transfer CCD 14, and a control gate (transfer gate) for transferring the signal charge of the photosensitive pixel 12 to the vertical transfer CCD 14 between them. Function as.

  When a readout pulse is applied to the transfer electrodes V1 and V3 with the signal charge accumulated in the photosensitive pixel 12, the signal charge of each photosensitive pixel 12 is transferred to the vertical transfer CCD 14 in parallel. Next, by applying a clock pulse for one cycle to the vertical transfer CCD 14, signal charges for one row are transferred to the horizontal transfer CCD 16 (this operation is referred to as line shift). Next, by applying a two-phase clock pulse to the horizontal transfer CCD 16, the signal charge for one row is read and output from the output unit. Thereafter, all signal charges of the vertical transfer CCD 14 can be read by repeating the line shift and the horizontal transfer (horizontal reading) of the horizontal transfer CCD 16. Since the clock pulse is applied as a voltage having the opposite polarity to the readout pulse, the signal charge of the photosensitive pixel 12 does not flow into the vertical transfer CCD 14 during line shift and horizontal readout. Such signal charge reading is performed within one vertical drive period in accordance with the timing of the vertical drive signal (VD).

  In the case of interlaced readout, a readout pulse (field shift pulse) is applied to the transfer electrode V1 with the signal charges accumulated in the photosensitive pixels 12, and the signal charges of the odd-numbered photosensitive pixels 12 are vertically transferred in parallel. Transfer to CCD 14. Next, a clock pulse for one cycle is applied to the vertical transfer CCD 14, and signal charges for one row are transferred (line shift) to the horizontal transfer CCD 16. Next, a two-phase clock pulse is applied to the horizontal transfer CCD 16 to read out signal charges for one row from the output unit. Thereafter, all the signal charges of the vertical transfer CCD 14 are read by repeating the line shift and the horizontal reading.

  After the signal charges are read out from the odd-numbered photosensitive pixels 12, a field shift pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3 to transfer the signal charges of the even-numbered photosensitive pixels 12 to the vertical transfer CCD 14 in parallel. The subsequent read operation is the same as in the case of odd rows.

  Odd-line reading and even-numbered line reading are each performed in one field period. When the even-numbered line reading is completed, the operation returns to the odd-numbered line reading operation, and the same operation as the television scanning is performed by repeating the above-described operation. Interlaced scanning is read out.

  Although not shown, the CCD image sensor 10 is provided with a drain for discharging excess charges (unnecessary charges) generated in each photosensitive pixel 12. A typical example is a structure called a vertical overflow drain that discharges charges in the depth direction (substrate direction) of the CCD.

  Next, the structure of the CCD image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in comparison with the conventional CCD image sensor.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the CCD image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the portions common to FIG. Although the number of pixels is reduced as in FIG. 1, an actual device has a large number of photosensitive pixels arranged two-dimensionally and has, for example, a number of pixels of 1280 × 1024.

  The CCD image sensor 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided independently so that the transfer electrodes V1A and V3A can be controlled separately from the other electrodes for the two photosensitive pixel lines closest to the horizontal transfer CCD16. This is different from the conventional CCD image sensor.

  When the photosensitive pixel array is a square array in the form of a matrix, two rows of photosensitive elements are obtained in order to obtain information on all colors of R, G, and B because of the relationship with the array pattern of the color filters arranged in front of the photosensitive pixels 12. Transfer electrodes V1A and V3A that can be controlled independently for the pixel lines are provided. However, in the case of black and white, it is sufficient to provide a transfer electrode V1A that can be independently controlled for the photosensitive pixel line of one row closest to the horizontal transfer CCD 16.

  With such a structure, the area image sensor is normally driven in the same manner as the conventional CCD image sensor 10, and the signal charge is only supplied from the photosensitive pixel lines of the two rows (one row in the case of monochrome) as necessary. Reading control is performed, and the CCD image sensor can be used as a linear image sensor.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a CCD image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. The CCD image sensor 30 has a honeycomb structure in which photosensitive pixels 32 are two-dimensionally arranged in a honeycomb shape, and a so-called “diagonal Bayer arrangement” is adopted as the color filter. Such a honeycomb arrangement structure (in the rows of adjacent photosensitive pixels 32, the arrangement of the photosensitive pixels 32 in one row is approximately 1/2 of the arrangement interval in the row direction with respect to the arrangement of the photosensitive pixels 32 in the other row. In the case of a structure shifted relatively, one point (1 from the signal charges of a total of three photosensitive pixels 32 of R and B adjacent in the horizontal direction and G located on the upper stage of these two photosensitive pixels 32. Color image data for (pixel) pixels is obtained.

  The CCD image sensor 30 is configured so that the transfer gates TG1A and TG3A for two rows on the horizontal transfer CCD 36 side can be controlled independently from the other transfer gates TG1 and TG3. The CCD image sensor 30 includes an RB row in which R and B are repeated in the horizontal direction, and a G row in which only G is continuous. The vertical transfer path for R and B and the vertical transfer path for G are provided. As shown in FIG. 4, as a dot sequential read signal output from the output unit 37 of the horizontal transfer CCD 36, a combination of these two rows (RB row and G row) is used for one horizontal line. A signal train is formed.

That is, the first horizontal line is obtained by combining the bottom RB row (R ₁₁ , B ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , B ₁₂ ...) And the G row (G ₁₁ , G ₁₂ , G ₁₃ . Signal trains R ₁₁ G ₁₁ B ₁₁ G ₁₂ ... B ₁₅₁₂ G ₁₁₀₂₄ are obtained, and the next RB row (B ₂₁ , R ₂₁ , B ₂₂ , R ₂₂ ...) And the G row immediately above it (G ₂₁ , G ₂₂ , G ₂₃ ..., A second horizontal signal line B ₂₁ G ₂₁ R ₂₁ B ₂₂ ... R ₂₅₂₂ G ₂₁₀₂₄ is obtained.

  5 and 6 are timing charts showing a driving method of the CCD image sensor 30. FIG. 5 shows a driving method when the CCD image sensor 30 is used as a linear sensor (referred to as a linear driving method). FIG. 6 shows a driving method (referred to as area driving method) when the CCD image sensor 32 is used as an area sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in synchronization with the vertical drive pulse (VD), among the transfer electrodes of the CCD image sensor 30, the independent electrodes V1 (TG1A) and V3 ( By applying the read pulse only to TG3A) and not applying the read pulse to the other electrodes, only the signals in the two rows are read out. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the signals of all the photosensitive pixels 32 can be read by applying a read pulse to all the transfer electrodes of the CCD image sensor 30 in synchronization with the vertical drive pulse (VD).

  In the case of interlaced CCD driving, as shown in FIG. 7, in synchronization with the vertical driving pulse (VD), a read pulse is applied to the transfer electrodes of the odd-numbered photosensitive pixels 32 and the odd-numbered rows are driven. The signal is read out, and the read pulse is applied to the transfer electrodes of the photosensitive pixels 32 in the even rows in synchronization with the next vertical drive pulse (VD) to read out the signals in the even rows. By alternately reading out the odd rows / even rows, it is possible to read out signals similar to television scanning.

  Next, an example in which the CCD image sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is applied to a film scanner will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the film scanner 40 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a tray 44 for inserting a film cartridge 42 and a power switch 45 are provided on the front surface thereof. The tray 44 has a structure that can be driven back and forth in the front-rear direction, whereby the film cartridge 42 is loaded and discharged.

  The film scanner 40 is connected to a keypad 46 corresponding to an input operation unit and a television receiver (monitor device) 48 for image display via cables 50 and 51, respectively. The keypad 46 has operation keys such as a selection key 53 for instructing each direction of up, down, left, and right, an up / down key 54, an execution key 55, and a cancel key 56. To the film scanner 40. Note that an input operation unit corresponding to the keypad 46 may be provided in the main body of the film scanner 40, or may be configured by a remote control device (not shown) using infrared rays or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the film cartridge 42. As shown in the drawing, the film cartridge 42 has a long cylindrical photographic film 62 wound around a single spool 60 housed in a substantially cylindrical cartridge shell 58 having a light shielding structure. A light shielding door 64 is provided at the drawer opening. A door driver (not shown) is inserted into the door opening / closing hole 66, and the light blocking door 64 is opened / closed by rotating the door driver. The photographic film 62 has a perforation 70 indicating the position of each frame 68 and a magnetic recording unit 72, and can record information such as shooting data and title for each frame as magnetic information. The developed photographic film 62 is stored in a state of being stored in the film cartridge 42. Specifically, this corresponds to a 24 mm new photo system compatible film cartridge.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the film scanner. The film scanner 40 mainly includes a light source 74 for illumination, a motor control unit 76 for film conveyance, a lens 78, a CCD image sensor 30 (or 20), an analog signal processing unit 80, a digital signal processing unit 82, a recording unit 84, And a control unit 86 including a control CPU. The light source 74 illuminates the photographic film 62 through an infrared (IR) filter 88. The image light that has passed through the film is focused on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 30 through the diaphragm 90 and the lens 78.

  The optical image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 30 is accumulated for a predetermined time in each photosensitive pixel 32 having any of R, G, and B filters, and an amount of R, R corresponding to the intensity of light. It is converted into G and B signal charges. The signal charges accumulated in this way are read out to the vertical transfer CCD by a read pulse of a predetermined period applied from the CCD driving unit 92, and then sequentially read out by applying a vertical transfer pulse and a horizontal transfer pulse.

  The signal output from the CCD image sensor 30 is added to the analog signal processing unit 80, where processing such as color separation, gain adjustment, and offset adjustment is performed. Specifically, gain is applied to the color signal so that the white balance is matched on the base of the film negative (gain adjustment), and input range adjustment (offset adjustment) of the A / D converter 94 is performed.

  The signal output from the analog signal processing unit 80 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 94 and then added to the digital signal processing unit 82 in the next stage. The CCD image sensor 30, the analog signal processing unit 80, and the A / D converter 94 are supplied with a synchronization signal from a CCD driving unit 92, and will be described in detail later by the CCD driving unit 92 according to the control of the control unit 86. Line drive control and area drive control of the CCD image sensor 30 are performed.

  The digital signal processing unit 82 includes a negative / positive inversion circuit, a white balance adjustment circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, and the like, and is based on the control of the control unit 86 for a signal received from the A / D converter 94. Predetermined processing. That is, the signal received from the A / D converter 94 is white-balanced at the same time as the negative / positive inversion process, further gamma-processed, and then sent to the recording unit 84 for recording.

  The image data written in the recording unit 84 is supplied to the television signal processing unit 96, where it is converted into a predetermined video signal of the NTSC system or the like, and the television receiver 48 and other display units (hereinafter referred to as the display unit 48). )). In this way, the image recorded on the photographic film 62 is displayed on the display unit 48. The image data written in the recording unit 84 can be output to an external device such as a personal computer (personal computer) (not shown) via the external output interface 98. For example, by connecting a personal computer to the external output interface 98, film image data read by the film scanner 40 can be taken up by the personal computer.

  Although a specific structure of the means for conveying the photographic film 62 is not shown, the film driving means includes a spool drive shaft that engages with the spool 60 of the film cartridge 42 described in FIG. 9 and a photographic film 62 fed from the film cartridge 42. A take-up spool, a motor for applying a rotational driving force to the spool drive shaft and the take-up spool, a capster roller and a pinch roller disposed in the film transport path.

  The film transport path is provided with an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor denoted by reference numeral 100 in FIG. The optical sensor includes a sensor for detecting the perforation 70 of the photographic film 62 and a sensor for detecting optical data such as a barcode written on the edge of the film. Information detected by these sensors is sent to the CPU of the control unit 86. Be notified.

  The magnetic sensor is a sensor (magnetic reproducing head) that reads magnetic information recorded in the magnetic recording unit 72 of the photographic film 62, and information detected by the magnetic sensor is notified to the CPU of the control unit 86. Stored in the internal RAM. The data recorded in the RAM can be rewritten. The data in the RAM is converted into a magnetic recording signal and then output to a magnetic recording head (not shown), whereby the magnetic recording unit 72 of the photographic film 62 is recorded. It is also possible to write information in

  The control unit 86 controls and controls each circuit of the apparatus, and includes a ROM that stores a control program and various data. The control unit 86 calculates an exposure value based on the video signal received from the digital signal processing unit 82, and based on the input signal from the user interface 102, the CCD driving unit 92, the aperture control unit 104, and the motor control unit. The image pickup system such as 76 is controlled, and control of writing / reading processing in the recording unit 84 is performed. The user interface 102 is used for instructing / inputting a mode and selection of each processing item.

  Next, the operation of the film scanner having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the film cartridge 42 is loaded into the film scanner 40, the light shielding door 64 of the cartridge is opened, and the film is loaded. Then, preprocessing including initial setting is executed using the base area of the leader portion of the film, and the photographic film 62 can be scanned. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, this state is described as an “initial state” (step S110).

  Here, it is determined whether or not to create an index image (step S112), and the process branches depending on whether or not an index image is created. Whether or not to create an index image is left to the user's selection, and the user can arbitrarily set whether or not to display the index image by operating the keypad 46 or the like.

  If the setting for creating an index has been made, pre-scanning is executed to perform index creation processing (step S114). During the pre-scan operation, the CCD image sensor 30 is driven and controlled by the linear driving method described with reference to FIG. In the CCD image sensor 30, the horizontal transfer CCD 36 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the film feeding direction, and the photosensitive pixels 32 for two lines closest to the horizontal transfer CCD 36 function as a linear image sensor. Charges (unnecessary charges) accumulated in other photosensitive pixels 32 are discarded by an overflow drain or an electronic shutter function.

  The pre-scan operation consists of two steps: a first scan that is performed while the photographic film 62 is transported in the direction of drawing out from the cartridge, and a second scan that is performed while the photographic film 62 is rewound into the cartridge. During the first scan, the photographic film 62 is fed in the forward direction at a high speed (for example, 148.0 mm / sec), and image data is captured through two lines related to independent control of the CCD image sensor 30, and optical and magnetic Frame detection, reading of magnetic information, and the like are performed via the sensor 100. At this time, the control unit 86 takes in RGB signals of all frames from the A / D converter 94 for each color, calculates an offset amount for each color signal, and a gain adjustment amount for white balance adjustment, and the offset data and gain AWB (auto white balance) data indicating the adjustment amount is stored in the RAM of the CPU for each frame, and AE (automatic exposure control) data indicating the brightness of each frame is stored in the RAM from the RGB signal of each frame. .

  At the time of the second scan, the photographic film 62 is conveyed (rewinded) in the reverse direction at a high speed (for example, 74.0 mm / sec), and image data is captured again via the two lines related to the independent control of the CCD image sensor 30. . At this time, the control unit 86 controls the aperture control unit 104 based on the AE data acquired in the first scan, and also controls the CCD drive unit 92 to control the charge accumulation time of the CCD image sensor 30, Adjust the exposure amount for each. Further, the control unit 86 controls the CCD driving unit 92 based on the AWB data acquired in the first scan to adjust the offset amount and gain in the analog signal processing unit 80.

  In the longitudinal direction of the photographic film 62, the image information is thinned out by the film transport speed. The data is added on the CCD image sensor 30, and the short side direction of the film is thinned after image data is captured or is captured, and is displayed as square pixels (thumbnail image data). Is acquired. In this way, the acquired image data for all frames are arranged in a matrix for each of a plurality of frames, and an index image is formed. For example, 4 × 5 images for 20 frames are displayed as a list on the screen of the display unit 48, and when there are 21 or more images, they are displayed on the next screen or the subsequent images are displayed by scrolling. . As described above, during pre-scanning, information necessary for creating each image can be obtained, and an index image can be generated.

  After the index image is displayed, it is subsequently determined whether or not the automatic reproduction mode is set (step S116). When the user selects the automatic playback mode by a key operation or the like, the images of each frame are automatically played back sequentially based on the information and magnetic information of each image obtained by the prescan (step S118). At this time, the CCD image sensor 30 is driven by the area driving method described with reference to FIG. 6 and functions as an area image sensor. The film is conveyed frame by frame and stopped at a predetermined position, and image information of the entire frame is output from the CCD image sensor 30. An image related to this one-frame imaging (main imaging) is displayed on the screen on the display unit 48. Note that the AE / AWB data acquired in the previous pre-scan may be changed according to the image data obtained by this area drive control.

  When an image is displayed for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to the next frame reproduction process, and thereafter, the images of a plurality of frames recorded in the photographic film 62 are sequentially reproduced. When the automatic reproduction program (slide show) is completed, the photographic film 62 is rewound (step S120). At the time of film rewinding, magnetic information writing (rewriting) processing is also performed according to the user's selection, and the film cartridge 42 is ejected after rewinding (step S122).

  If it is set in step S112 not to create an index image, it is then determined whether or not the manual reproduction mode is set (step S124). Manual playback is a playback method in which the user sequentially selects images and displays the selected images one frame at a time. The user can arbitrarily select either the automatic playback mode or the manual playback mode described above. ing.

  When the user selects the automatic reproduction mode, the process proceeds to step S118 described above, and automatic reproduction processing is sequentially performed from the first frame of the roll film according to a predetermined program (steps S118 to S120).

  On the other hand, if the user selects the manual playback mode in step S124, the process then proceeds to a process for performing various settings necessary for displaying an image on the display unit 48 such as a television receiver or specifying image processing information (step S124). Step S126). At this time, menus and selection items of various setting items are displayed on the display unit 48, and the user performs desired setting / selection, parameter input, and the like while operating the keypad 46 and the like. If the automatic reproduction is not selected in step S116 described above, the process proceeds to step S126. However, when the process arrives at the step (step S126) after the index image is created, various inputs are made with reference to the index image. It can be carried out.

  Settings input items include, for example, image vertical / horizontal setting (upward direction specification), non-display frame specification during playback (skip frame specification), continuous playback interval time setting, screen switching method setting (fade in)・ Specify fade-out etc.), environment settings such as background color during playback. Among these input items, predetermined items are recorded as magnetic information when the film is rewound (step S120).

  When the user moves the pointer (cursor) to “END” in the operation box on the screen and presses the execution key 55 after performing operations such as information input, correction, and editing, the processing of the relevant step (step S126) is performed. It is determined whether or not display for each frame is to be executed (step S128).

  When the user selects execution of each frame display, the user is requested to input the number of the frame to be displayed next (step S130). When the user designates a frame number, the photographic film 62 is conveyed to the position of the designated frame number, and film image capture (main image capture) relating to the designated frame number is executed (step S132). Also in this actual imaging, the CCD image sensor 30 is controlled by the area driving method described with reference to FIG. In such area driving, the image data for one frame can be acquired at a time and the image data can be continuously acquired. Therefore, the image information for image generation is optimized based on the obtained image data. It is also possible to correct or change to a different value. This makes it possible to check the image almost in real time, unlike when the image output cannot be obtained unless the film such as the linear image sensor is scanned once. Further, high-quality image data can be acquired by using feedback control.

  In particular, if the imaging surface size of the CCD image sensor 30 is about 24 mm and an exposure area size (13.5 mm × 24 mm) compatible with the new photographic system, a sufficient number of pixels can be realized and a sufficient resolution can be secured. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 3, when the pixel arrangement has a honeycomb structure, there is an advantage that an image can be easily created because there is little spatial difference between the G and RB lines.

  Also during such a single frame display, various information can be input, modified, and edited (step S134). For example, it is possible to instruct pan (horizontal movement) / tilt (vertical movement) of an image, rotate an image, zoom up / down with an electronic zoom function, and specify the number of prints. The user operates the keypad 46 and the like to select a processing item (step S134), and a predetermined process is executed according to the selection (step S136).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operation by the user is finished (step S138). When the user continues the operation, the process returns to step S130. When the user inputs a destination frame number, the photographic film 62 is conveyed to the position of the frame number according to the designation, moves to the designated frame number, and the same processing (steps S132 to 138) is performed. After the operation by the user is completed, the photographic film 62 is rewound (step S120), and the film cartridge 42 is discharged (step S122).

  In the case of the film scanner 40, the illumination light source 47 is fixed, and the photographic film 62 is also arranged at a predetermined position, so that the imaging object can be handled as a stationary object. Therefore, the interlace drive described with reference to FIG. 7 can be employed for driving the CCD image sensor 30. Such interlaced driving has the advantage that the amount of charge handled can be increased. In this regard, in a conventional film scanner using a linear image sensor, it is necessary to change the film transport speed in order to increase the charge accumulation time, and the control system becomes complicated.

  According to the film scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention, film conveyance control is facilitated, and there is an advantage that an index image and a main image can be easily and quickly created.

Conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of an interline transfer CCD 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a CCD image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the CCD image sensor which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the drive method of CCD image sensor which has the honeycomb arrangement | sequence structure shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a driving method when the CCD image sensor shown in FIG. 3 is used as a linear image sensor. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a driving method when the CCD image sensor shown in FIG. 3 is used as an area image sensor. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an interlace driving method of the CCD image sensor shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the system containing the film scanner which concerns on embodiment of this invention The perspective view which shows an example of the film cartridge used for the film scanner shown in FIG. Block diagram showing the internal structure of the film scanner shown in FIG. Flow chart showing the operation flow of the film scanner of this example

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... CCD image sensor 12, 32 ... Photosensitive pixel (photoelectric conversion element), 14 ... Vertical transfer CCD (vertical transfer path), 16, 36 ... Horizontal transfer CCD (horizontal transfer path), 20, 30 ... CCD image sensor ( CCD imaging device), 40 ... film scanner, 42 ... film cartridge, 62 ... photographic film, 74 ... light source, 76 ... motor control section (film transport means), 86 ... control section (CCD drive control means), 92 ... CCD drive (CCD drive control means)

Claims (2)

A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged, a signal transfer accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element is transferred in a vertical direction along the column direction of the array, and a signal charge sent from the vertical transfer path In a CCD imaging device comprising: a horizontal transfer path that transfers in the horizontal direction along the row direction of the array,
Each photoelectric conversion element is provided with only one vertical transfer path for one photoelectric conversion element, and one transfer gate for reading the signal charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path is one photoelectric conversion element. There is only one for
Among the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a two-dimensional manner, photoelectric conversion elements for one row along the horizontal direction or for two adjacent rows, and for one row closest to the horizontal transfer path, 2 The transfer gate electrode for transferring the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements for the rows to the vertical transfer path transfers the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or adjacent two rows. Provided separately from the transfer gate electrode to be transferred to the path, it has a structure capable of independently controlling the application of the read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows. A CCD imaging device characterized by this. A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged two-dimensionally, and a vertical transfer path for transferring signal charges accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element in a vertical direction along the column direction of the arrangement, and a signal accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element A transfer gate electrode for controlling a transfer gate for transferring charges to the vertical transfer path, and a horizontal transfer path for transferring signal charges sent from the vertical transfer path in a horizontal direction along the row direction of the array. In the driving method of the CCD imaging device,
Each photoelectric conversion element is provided with only one vertical transfer path for one photoelectric conversion element, and one transfer gate for reading the signal charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path is one photoelectric conversion element. There is only one for
Among the plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, photoelectric conversion elements for one row along the horizontal direction or for two adjacent rows, one row or two rows closest to the horizontal transfer path The signal pulse is read out by applying a read pulse voltage to the transfer gate electrode of the photoelectric conversion element, and the read pulse voltage is applied to the transfer gate electrodes of the photoelectric conversion elements other than the one row or the adjacent two rows A first drive control method for reading out only the signals of the photoelectric conversion elements for one row or two adjacent rows without giving the signal, and causing the CCD imaging device to function as a linear image sensor;
A second drive control method for reading signal charges from all photoelectric conversion elements including one row or adjacent two rows of photoelectric conversion elements, and causing the CCD imaging device to function as an area image sensor;
A method of driving a CCD imaging device, wherein one CCD imaging device is used as a linear image sensor or an area image sensor by switching between the two.

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